1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 308 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 308 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2789 mm |
